Datasheet
15
LTC1624
Allowing a margin for variations in the LTC1624 (without
considering variation in R
SENSE
), assuming 30% ripple
current in the inductor, yields:
R
mV
I
V
VV
SENSE
OUT MAX
IN MIN
OUT D
=
+
()
()
100
Boost Converter: Output Diode
The output diode conducts current only during the switch
off-time. Peak reverse voltage for boost converters is
equal to the regulator output voltage. Average forward
current in normal operation is equal to output current.
Remember boost converters are not short-circuit pro-
tected. Check to be sure the diode’s current rating exceeds
the maximum current set by R
SENSE
. Schottky diodes such
as Motorola MBR130LT3 are recommended.
Boost Converter: Output Capacitors
The output capacitor is normally chosen by its effective
series resistance (ESR), because this is what determines
output ripple voltage.
Since the output capacitor’s ESR affects efficiency, use
low ESR capacitors for best performance. Boost regula-
tors have large RMS ripple current in the output capacitor
that must be rated to handle the current. The output
capacitor ripple current (RMS) is:
CI
VV
V
OUT OUT
OUT IN
IN
I
RIPPLE RMS
()
≈
−
Output ripple is then simply: V
OUT
= R
ESR
(∆I
L(RMS)
).
Boost Converter: Input Capacitors
The input capacitor of a boost converter is less critical due
to the fact that the input current waveform is triangular,
and does not contain large square wave currents as found
in the output capacitor. The input voltage source imped-
ance determines the size of the capacitor that is typically
10µF to 100µF. A low ESR is recommended although not
as critical as the output capacitor and can be on the order
of 0.3Ω. Input capacitor ripple current for the LTC1624
used as a boost converter is:
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
WUU
U
C
VV V
kHz L V
IN
IN OUT IN
OUT
I
RIPPLE
≈
()
−
()
()()()
03
200
.
The input capacitor can see a very high surge current when
a battery is suddenly connected and solid tantalum capaci-
tors can fail under this condition. Be sure to specify surge
tested capacitors.
Boost Converter: Duty Cycle Limitations
The minimum on-time of 450ns sets a limit on how close
V
IN
can approach V
OUT
without the output voltage over-
shooting and tripping the overvoltage comparator. Unless
very low values of inductances are used, this should never
be a problem. The maximum input voltage in continuous
mode is:
V
IN(MAX)
= 0.91V
OUT
+ 0.5V For DC = 9%
SEPIC Converter Applications
The LTC1624 is also well-suited to SEPIC (Single Ended
Primary Inductance Converter) converter applications.
The SEPIC converter shown in Figure 7 uses two induc-
tors. The advantage of the SEPIC converter is the input
voltage may be higher or lower than the output voltage.
The first inductor L1 together with the main N-channel
MOSFET switch resemble a boost converter. The second
inductor L2 and output diode D1 resemble a flyback or
buck-boost converter. The two inductors L1 and L2 can be
independent but also can be wound on the same core since
Figure 7. SEPIC Converter
+
+
C
B
L1
L2
M1
R2
R1
R
SENSE
C
IN
D1
C1
V
IN
1624 F07
V
IN
V
FB
LTC1624
SENSE
–
BOOST
TG
SW
GND
+
C
OUT
V
OUT